Posted on January 27, 2021
Blog
Conferences
Event Management
How organisations are still collaborating in the new normal
If you’re understandably nervous about planning events in a fluid environment with restrictions changing rapidly, you’re not alone. In order to better understand the new business landscape and how we can effectively meet the needs of clients, Cliftons surveyed C-suite executives and business owners from Top 100 organisations across Asia Pacific to gauge the impact of COVID-19 on your operations. You can download the complete report here.
There’s still an appetite for events and a desire to continue operating as we all strive to reimagine meetings, training, conferences and more. What’s the answer? How can you help everyone to connect, yet remain safe in a challenging public health environment?
The future of events is hybrid
Thankfully, with the right tools in place, it’s possible to host safe and engaging events in a cost-effective manner through hybrid platforms bringing together the best of in-person and digital formats.
Whether its internal company events, customer forums, collaboration, or even conferences, a huge 92% of our survey respondents reported COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way they hold events. For 72% of survey participants, this has meant an increase in digital events, a trend that is expected to either grow (40% of respondents) or remain the same (44%) once COVID-19 is no longer a threat. Only 18% of survey participants plan to run less digital events.
This shift is proving to have multiple benefits. Hybrid events can be more sustainable, with the reduced carbon footprint that comes from not flying and driving to events. It can be a more cost-effective option, with reduced needs for travel (including accommodation costs for presenters and delegates) and the ability to use smaller venues. It enables businesses to adhere to government health requirements. In addition, the transition to online events also provides the potential to reach wider audiences than would be possible with in-person events.
Host events with confidence
In a world where circumstances can change rapidly, hybrid event models give business confidence that it’s possible to continue to operate. Ever-changing border restrictions, sudden outbreaks and evolving restrictions can be adapted to with ease when you have the right tools and platforms in place. For example, at Cliftons, we can change from an in-person to fully digital or hybrid event model with as little as one day’s notice – so you can keep doing business and keep your team and customers safe.
Hybrid in action
Cliftons recently ran the 2020 FMA Industry awards as a hybrid (face-to-face and digital) event. This event brought together more than 200 industry professionals across simultaneous events in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Participants enjoyed breathtaking views and superb catering on-site, with seamless digital connectivity between the locations. FMA CEO, Nicholas Burt, described it as an “unforgettable and highly successful celebration.”
"Cliftons provided the perfect event solution for the 2020 FMA Industry Awards. Breathtaking views, superb catering, first-rate service, and digital technology to seamlessly connect more than 200 professionals across the four events helped make this an unforgettable and highly successful celebration. During a year that has had its challenges, Cliftons venues took away any complexity in the delivery of the event, resulting in very positive feedback from attendees, making a major talk point for the industry."
FMA CEO, Nicholas Burt
Hybrid events deliver the best of both worlds. Speakers and attendees can participate from anywhere around the world, widening audience reach, including playback options for longer term connection. In venue presenters can access broadcast quality audio-visual equipment, presentation tools and live streaming support, as well as recording tools, to ensure the best delivery experience.
The demand for virtual and hybrid options is increasing
The demand for flexible and adaptable online tools was reflected in comments from survey participants, such as:
“All face to face events were cancelled and virtual events were introduced.”
“Events went completely virtual and will revert to hybrid.”
“Most meetings and specifically training and CPD are now all done via Zoom or similar.”
Survey participants
The demand for virtual tools and hybrid options has grown exponentially as companies look for new ways to train and assess students, inspire and motivate teams, and communicate with and reach current and prospective clients. Demand for webinars, virtual classrooms, live streamed conferences and more will only increase, with a growing expectation of participants for seamless integration of presentation and collaboration tools.
Does your organisation need help adapting to "the new normal?"
Let Cliftons help you navigate the new world of business through our flexible options for events and collaboration. Our spaces and platforms can adapt to your business needs, whether that’s a one-off conference, regular team meetings, training sessions and more.
Why not offer your next event as a hybrid?
With Cliftons contemporary corporate event spaces and next generation hybrid events platform, you have the ultimate flexibility in designing the event that suits your business’ needs.
Enquire now about a hybrid event with Cliftons.
About Cliftons
Event Solutions
If you’re ready to start bringing your event plans to life, talk to our
team to discuss your goals.
Start with a no-obligation chat about what you want to achieve, and our team can guide you through the services we offer.
In the spirit of reconciliation Cliftons Event Solutions acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
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